Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act
Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act
Plain Language Summary
# Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act — Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would allow FEMA to speed up disaster recovery projects by skipping or reducing environmental and historic preservation reviews. Currently, when communities receive federal money to buy properties or demolish/relocate buildings after disasters, they must follow strict environmental and historic preservation laws. This bill would let FEMA waive those requirements when it thinks it's appropriate—for example, to get recovery projects done faster. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill applies to three FEMA disaster assistance programs: the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, and Flood Mitigation Assistance.
Before skipping these requirements, FEMA would need to consult with state and local officials for up to 30 days. This would mainly affect communities dealing with floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters trying to recover quickly, as well as environmental and historic preservation advocates who worry these protections could be overlooked. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 378, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full vote yet.
CRS Official Summary
Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects ActThis bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive or reduce environmental or historic preservation requirements for property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation projects receiving assistance under certain hazard mitigation programs.Specifically, this authority applies to such projects receiving funding under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or Flood Mitigation Assistance program. The bill authorizes FEMA to waive or reduce environmental and historic preservation requirements for these projects as FEMA determines appropriate, such as requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or the National Historic Preservation Act.Before waiving or reducing such requirements, the bill requires FEMA to consult with state and local officials, for no more than 30 days, on the necessity of the waiver or reduction. Also, before making such a determination, FEMA must consider factors including details of the acquisition and demolition or relocation project, the implications for disaster recovery, and whether the waiver or reduction could cause serious environmental issues.FEMA must report annually to Congress for five years on topics including FEMA's use of its authority under the bill, the extent to which this authority expedited or enhanced the acquisition process under FEMA's programs, and related recommendations.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.